ITU Academic Research Projects

DEVELOPMENT OF A TRAJECTORY PLANNING AND TRACKING ALGORITHM BASED ON LiDAR AND CAMERA COORDINATION FOR AN AUTONOMOUS VEHICLE  

• Principle Investigator: Research Assistant Dr. Volkan Bekir Yangın
• Project Funding Agency: İTÜ BAP
• Abstract: In this project, the goal is to develop a unique trajectory planning and tracking algorithm for an autonomous vehicle that will operate in indoor environments. This vehicle is designed to be used in places where human-environment interaction is at its highest, such as airports, hospitals, shopping centers, storage areas, campuses, and similar environments. Therefore, the vehicle must be able to travel between target points safely without making contact with obstacles. “Trajectory planning and tracking” is the key factor in fulfilling this requirement. The inadequacy of existing methods in dynamic environments with heavy human traffic is the starting point for this study. In the proposed algorithm, LiDAR and camera data will be integrated and coordinated. Camera data will be processed within the YOLOv8 algorithm for object classification purposes. This will enable the classification of objects such as pedestrians, waste units, luggage, etc. LiDAR data will be used to determine the distance to objects and interior walls. The data from these two devices will be processed in the dSpace MicroAutobox II and used for planning and tracking the vehicle's trajectory. The simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) approach is planned to be utilized for trajectory planning. Additionally, when dynamic pedestrians are in positions that could obstruct the vehicle’s movement, audible or visual warning systems will be activated. The targeted algorithm structure aims to ensure that the “trajectory planning and tracking” tasks are performed more safely and autonomously, while reducing human intervention in the vehicle’s navigation. Moreover, the success of the algorithm will be evaluated through simulations and experiments. It is anticipated that the developed algorithm will be assessed based on criteria such as route optimization, collision prevention success, and human-vehicle interaction.
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DESIGN AND MULTI-OBJECTIVE OPTIMIZATION OF RARE-EARTH FREE RADIAL-AXIAL FLUX SWITCIHING GENERATORS FOR VARIABLE-SPEED WIND TURBINES IN MICROGRIDS

• Principle Investigator: Coordinator: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mehmet Onur Gülbahçe Scientific advisor: Prof. Dr. Aliihsan Koca)
• Project Funding Agency: TÜBİTAK

• Abstract: In this project, variable-speed wind generators with high efficiency, high power density, high energy quality, cost-effective and rare earth magnet free wind generators will be designed for micro-grids.

LAST GLACIAL STAGE PALEOCLIMATE OF EASTERN BLACK SEA MOUNTAINS INFERRED FROM GLACIER FLOW MODELLING

• Principle Investigator: Prof.Dr. Mehmet Akif Sarıkaya (Avrasya Yer Bilimleri Enstitüsü)
• Project Funding Agency: TÜBİTAK 1001 Project
• Abstract: The project, in which Dr. Adem Candaş served as a researcher, focused on the glaciation processes of the Late Quaternary period in the Eastern Black Sea Mountains. Using physical glacier flow models and cosmogenic isotope analyses, the study quantitatively revealed glacier dynamics and paleoclimate conditions, combining these findings with the first-ever dating results and physical modeling data from the region.

OTHER

Elevator Behaviors In Case of Fire in Buildings

Prof. Dr. C. Erdem İmrak delivered a presentation on the opening day of the conference held as part of the 19th International Elevator Exhibition, "Elevator Istanbul," which took place at the TÜYAP Fair and Congress Center between May 15–18, 2025.

Selection Criteria for Fire-Resistant Elevator Doors and Additional Precautionary Measures

The full-text paper titled "Selection Criteria for Fire-Resistant Elevator Doors and Additional Precautionary Measures", authored by Prof. Dr. C. Erdem İmrak, Assos.Prof.Dr. Adem Candaş, and Research Assist. Dr. Eren Kalay, was presented by Prof. İmrak at the “Architecture and Fire Symposium 2025”, held at ITU Taşkışla on May 8–9, 2025.

İmrak, C.E., Candaş, A., Kalay, E., 2025. Selection Criteria for Fire-Resistant Elevator Doors and Additional Precautionary Measures. XI. Architecture and Fire Symposium 2025, May 8–9, 2025, Istanbul, Turkey.

EasyDisk 2025 - Software for Rotating Disks and Thick Pipes

EasyDisk 2025 Software, which is offered to the use of our students and academicians in order to make detailed analysis on “Rotating Discs and Thick Pipes”, which is one of the important subjects of strength, was developed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Adil Yücel within the scope of ENTÜRK National Strength Software Project, in the Experimental Mechanics and Software Development Laboratory within ITU Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. Supported by the consultancy of Prof. Dr. Mehmet Alaeddin Arpacı and Assoc. Prof. Uğurcan Eroğlu, the latest version of the software, which can perform strength calculations of rotating disks, thick-walled pipes and shrink-fits, can be downloaded from the address below.

https://www.adilyucel.com/file-share/